And Look Good Doing It

Patagonia's Wavefarer Board Shorts and the Solid-A Frame and Pelican set (left and center), and Speedo's Jersey Sarong Skirt (right).

The North Face Alexandria Sleeveless Print Shirt (left) and Patagonia's Classic Pataloha Shirt.

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For the Southern-Bound

For those heading south for the summer in search of snow instead of sand, let Spiewak 's new Property Jacket ($260, www.spiewak.com ) protect you from the southern-hemi elements. This garment's got taped seams; waterproof-breathable nylon construction; a pull-down, pathogen-resistant drop seat; and two massive pockets on the chest—pull down their waterproof zips and you've got storage for...damn near everything you need while traveling, from a sat phone to maps to an mp3 player. Better still, you'll be outfitted for arctic conditions, but won't look like an overstuffed polar bear.

PERFECTLY SUITED
Though the landscape that inspired the company's name is a far cry from your typical sun-baked and wave-thrashed summer beach, Patagonia offers the season two stellar pieces of swimwear. The men's Wavefarer Board Shorts ($45, www.patagonia.com) get everything right. Ending just above the knees, this quick-drying nylon suit keeps thing simple: Velcro-and-lace closure, a zippered/mesh side pocket with a key chain clip, relaxed comfort, and enough color options to swing from subdued to screaming orange. The femme Solid A-Frame and Pelican Set ($72), meanwhile, offers a resolution to the ongoing beach-going dilemma: sexy or safe? The A-frame top has self-adjusting straps that can go over the shoulder or cross in the back, depending on beach sport activity and current tan line, while the lower half doesn’t look like granny panties. Then, post-dip, pair the suit with Speedo’s Jersey Sarong Skirt ($40-50, www.speedo.com), which will let you master the delicate art of moving beach chairs and a cooler, laying out a towel, and keeping your sarong in place. It looks like a sarong, but it has a waistband and an adjustable drawstring that keep it fitted like a skirt. Not to mention, the 100 percent soft cotton of this cover-up feels just like pajamas.

LAYER UP
Face it: though tropical shirts carry a certain frat-boy cache the world over, the unapologetically loud apparel is really best-suited for...ya know...the tropics. To truly imbibe in that warm-weather indulgence, don Patagonia's Classic Pataloha Shirt ($88, www.patagonia.com). Smooth-to-the-touch organic cotton, a single breast pocket, the frantic floral/tropical prints, the Pataloha's got it all. And should you want more, consider upgrading to the silk-and-cotton limited-edition version, with coconut buttons and an "endangered trout" print from watercolorist James Prosek. Being loud has never looked—or felt—so cool.

Women, typically blessed with quieter, more sensible fashion wisdom, can meanwhile slip into the Alexandra Sleeveless Print Shirt from The North Face ($32, www.thenorthface.com). Besides concealing the obvious, this shirt is technically covert and stylish (most of the technical pieces are hidden in folds and gathers). A zip pocket is almost invisible on the right side seam, where gathered fabric detailing adds a form-flattering element. Besides having ultraviolet protection of 15, the fabric is seriously lightweight and—a travel essential—packs without wrinkling. The lightweight material also makes this shirt ideal for hot beach days, whether you’re sipping seaside margaritas or climbing the nearby dunes.

And when the sun drops and the coastal breeze starts to roll in, retreat to the warmth of Salomon’s Motomesh Hoodie ($85, www.salomonsports.com). This mid-layer offers wicking, quick-drying comfort; twin front pockets; thumb loops on the sleeves; a central zip; and a fitted hood that (thankfully) doesn't poke up in the back. When looking for that extra layer for the jaunt from BBQ to bonfire to sand-pitched tent, look no further...